American Avocet - - (Recurvirostra americana)

Sometimes referred to as the "American Serengiti," the Klamath Basin wetlands of Oregon and California provide habitat for three-quarters of Pacific Flyway birds during their fall and spring migrations. The six wildlife refuges in the Basin also provide habitat for breeding waterfowl and shorebirds, but severe drought and battles over the allocation of scarce water threaten the refuges' ability to sustain waterfowl and the wintering Bald Eagles that depend upon waterfowl as their food source. The photo above depicts an American Avocet attempting to feed in Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge's drying wetlands. Avocets, who normally feed at the water's edge, have unique upward-curving bills. By swinging their bills from side to side in the water, they are able to expose and catch crustaceans and insects.